Fall Edition 2021

Fall Edition 2021

FALL EDITION OCTOBER2021

12 WHAT’S INSIDE? TRENDS 56 THANKSGIVING • Table Matters • Thanksgiving Menu 17 FEATURE • Homes • Interior Designing Tips The latest this season

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MARY VIRGINIA PITTMAN Mary Virginia Pittman on her mission to spread the word of love, kindness, and self-fulfillment.

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EC Magazines | Fall Edition 2021

Fall Edition 2021

ETHEL LEACH Managing Director GENER ZAFRA Project Manager ALEX ROSS Marketing Fulfillment Manager

CARLO RIVERA Editor EDGE JAVIER Art Director

MATT ALASAGAS Graphic Designer/Artist

JOMAR OUANO Graphic Designer/Artist

116 South Magnolia Ave., Suite 3, Unit F, Ocala, Florida, USA

www.ecpublishingllc.com

[email protected]

@ecpublishing.official

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CONTENTS

10 editor’s note nothing to fall 12 trends the up and coming this season 17 talking shop furniture for your home project 27 homes resort, apartment, celebrity homes 40 coverstory mary virginia mccormick pittman 50 feature lorri-ann champagne 56

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thanksgiving table matters dinner daze 84 special feature halloween 101

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EDITOR’S NOTE

NOTHING TO FALL

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ERE WE ARE ONCE AGAIN TO THE SEASON most people love—fall. It’s the season of change, as they say. Most of us fear change, but I have, on a very personal level, decided to

embrace change. As sure as the leaves fall and the daylight hours shorten, there will be change throughout in life. Nothing is permanent in this world except change, and one thing that helps us through change is us being rooted in the community and in our family. The reason why this issue came to be. For this season, we tackle on different home aesthetics and possible designing decors you can add to your humble abode such as furniture and the like. With that, we have compiled what we like for you to get inspired. One thing to learn more that as time changes by, our love for the family is there—especially when Thanksgiving is just along the corner. Time for some lovin’ where we get to meet our sisters and brothers we’ve never seen for the longest time, and the mother and father we certainly miss. EC Magazines inspires you to host your own family dinner as we give you spin on how to do table settings and of course dishes you can cook for that awaited dinner. Also in this issue we bring in our coverstar Mary Virginia McCormick Pittman with her life and how she succeed by constantly adapting to change. Aside from that, we have advertising alumna Lorri-Ann Champagne where she talks about inspiring change. Before you settle with this issue, have some pumpkin latte in your hand or indulge in the Thanksgiving cocktail and wines we have prepared for you. I can’t think of a better way to manage in the cooler temperatures, pumping patches and the fruits and foliage of the season. Enjoy the fall!

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TRENDS

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GOLDEN MOMENT We’re always sold on gold. The classic metallic is a go-to whenever we’re in the mood to add some oomph—whether that’s for an outfit or on some skin.

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1. LA MER The Soleil de La Mer Collection brings together the brand’s celebration of sea and sun, and is the perfect companion for sunny days ahead. The Glowing Body Oil creates an all-over radiant sheen, while a sweep of The Bronzing Powder on key areas of the face create a covetable highlight. lamer.com 4. ZARA Sometimes your feet do all the talking. Whether classically paired with a little black dress or with a matching metallic number to really catch attention, this classic pair of heels is perfect for days when you really want to shine. zara.com

2. JIMMY CHOO Let your bag take the spotlight with the Arrow in gold. The beautiful shape stands out even more in metallic-it’s sure to add some everyday glam to daily looks. jimmychoo.com

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5. ALEXIS A free-spirited lifestyle, including sunset drinks in Tuscany, embodies Alexis Barbara Isaias’ line. Set in neutral tones, the designer plays with different textures, and a cut and style that blossoms with femininity. shop-alexis.com

3. H&M Outfits aren’t the only things that need some bling. Whether you need additional storage for your things or just need a shiny accent to punctuate a space, H&M Home has a collection of jars, vases and candleholders to emphasize the gilded effect. hm.com

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OTHER LOVES ALL FLEE Leona Koehn Nichols

L eona Koehn Nichols was born into a loving Holdeman Mennonite family and grew up within the Mennonite community, being very much a part of this ultraconservative culture. Her parents were devout and committed to their church but were also balanced in their views of what it meant to follow Jesus. Raised in a family of five, with an older and younger brother, Leona enjoyed a happy childhood in rural California. Her father was a respected leader in the church and also in the community. Her mother enjoyed life and had visitors in the home frequently. She loved reading and read often to her children, both Bible story books and children’s classics. Having been baptized into the church at age ten, Leona fully

reasons behind their beliefs and decisions caused them to search the scriptures, looking for answers. This was met with concern. Being part of a church culture that emphasized unity in all things, including clothing and grooming styles; it was expected that their family would conformwithout question. When Leona and her husband met Jesus in a very loving and unexpected way in their own living room, it was soon obvious they would need to make a choice. Who would take first place in their hearts? Jesus, the Savior of their souls, or the church of their fathers? After months of trying to find a solution to conflicting views, their church fellowship was severed through the ordinance of excommunication. Now

they would learn to trust in Jesus alone as the foundation they could build their lives on. Follow their story as they moved from legalism to grace.

their six children got older and decisions regarding what they would or would not be allowed to do began to immerge, so did the questions. Desiring to have biblical

expected to spend her life as a faithful member of the Church of God in Christ (Mennonite). She married a minister’s son, and they began a family. However, as

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TRENDS

GARDEN GROWTH

We’re excited for spring and with this comes the dainty appeal of lush floral prints—especially when they’re on classic, sophisticated pieces. Though spring is far, we have these to fling.

4. VALENTINO Whether as hair wrap or draped over your shoulders, the Valentino silk scarf never fails to flatter. Its velvety soft material is adorned with palm leaves and blossoming flowers. valentino.com

1. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN The brand softens up their signature skulls and studs by infusing some feminine florals to the mix. Whether it’s printed on leather on a pair of classic pumps or created with sequins on a clutch, it is all about sweetness with some sass. alexandermcqueen.com 2. JO MALONE The Star Magnolia is tantalizing and flirtatious in Jo Malone’s new scent created by master perfumer Anne Flipo, the fragrance is available in a cologne and hair mist-the floral aroma is sure to follow you around all day. jomalone.com

3. ZARA Whether you’re aiming for head to toe impact or looking for just a few blooms to accent your outfit, Zara’s latest collections will have you feeling the flower power. zara.com

5. KATE SPADE Kate Spade creates a tropical

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obsession by matching colors with flowers. The bright colors and cute details of this multi-colored blossom print crossbody bag with top zipper closure and tassel accent are more than enough to create statement. katespade.com

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TRENDS

1. TORY BURCH Yes, classic neutral knits are essential, but as what they say: The brighter the color, the better the sweater. Victor Glemaud, a knitwear expert, has even injected this with clever color-blocking and a retro collar to make wintry days all the brighter. 2. SELF PORTRAIT Pantsuits? As If! Clueless heroine Cher Horowitz would fit right into our fall fashion trend report. Designers like Charles Jeffrey Loverboy give the style a punky spin while Self-Portrait and Alessandra Rich are making plaid pretty. 3. VICTORIA BECKHAM Her ‘90s-tinged looks evoke a sexy, sophisticated mood—Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham are ready to dress her, and you, in bright micro- minis and dresses. 4. KENZO Rugby stripes get a sensual new look at Chloé, Balmain, and Wales Bonner. Purists can try Monse’s skirt with a classic white button-up, while those looking for some va-va-voom might consider mixing it up with a Kenzo knit. The more directions, the better. 5. RAVE REVIEW SALLY Total look dressing is a thing of the past. Collage prints, upcycled patchworks, and retro graphics are all making a major comeback—best worn all together. Weird times call for eccentric style.

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PIT FALL Fall 2021 fashion trends, presented at mostly virtual collections as COVID vaccinations were made available around the world, are about these timeless, spirited pieces that encourage dressing up, going out, and feeling joy.

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HOME SHOP From seats to table covers, even ideal pieces you wanted for that beautiful space of yours, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our suggestions for your next furniture shopping for that most awaited home makeover.

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TRENDS

PEDRALI In designer Patrick Norguet’s nature, Fox shows of an interesting shape, and an innovative use of plastic and ash wood. Its stackable wooden legs is just another appealing detail. pedrali.it

PLANK The REMO plastic chair comes alive with German designer Konstantin Grcic, in collaboration with Plank. Its circular and enthralling form captures simplicity in its grandest, most beautiful character. plank.it

SEAT DOWN Take inspiration from what we’ve listed and take notes of course for your next chair haul.

DRIADE Oscar e Gabriele Buratti plays with the theme of the classic, soft, fabric- covered, padded chair made of single material. This chair is designed both for private dining at home and for public places such as restaurants and hotels. Its strong personality and iconic appeal are conveyed by sophisticated, contrasting stitching. driade.com

ALKI Lounge spaces get a serious upgrade with the Egon Furniture Collection, designed by the Iratzoki Lizaso Studio. Aimed to create geometric simplicity, the rounded shapes are crafted solely in avoidance of sophistication, ironically. alki.fr

KARTELL Kartell brings sophistication and lightness in one seat. The inventive 3D structured chair comes in white, black and red that makes a statement in any space it’s in. What say you? kartell.com

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ARDARA Inspired by the Neolithic period in Iceland, the Ardara Modern Console Table shines like a golden halo. Its rounded legs and smooth finishing ultimately gives consistent respect to its timeless simplicity, all while sticking to its luxurious nature. brabbu.com

MOROSO Designing the gap in his absence, No Waste is designed so as to get all parts of a single metal sheet. The table becomes the product of a horizontal division of space and its subsequent orthogonal assembly. No Waste is a new form capable of determining a change in the taste of tradition, in the aesthetic pleasure, crossing the conventional boundary and assume the “I like it – i don’t like it”. moroso.it

DRIADE Gordon Guillaumier creates the Anapo set of tables, in the rectangular and circular version. Its inspiration lies in the sixties and in a specific idea of middle-class home torn between rigour and softness, luxury and functionality, indifferent to passing fads. driade.com

ESSENTIAL HOME Following the same inspiration as the gorgeous Konstantin center table, which was a fabulous example of DelightFULL and Essential Home’s mid-century connection. Featuring a structure made entirely in gold plated brass, Konstantin also features some beautiful glossy lacquered details that can be customized to your project’s needs. essentialhome.eu

TABLE TALKS Make your table the center of attraction. Our picks are varied to keep your style at par with the design.

GINGER & JAGGER The Portugese furniture brand never hesitates to inspire awe. Standing on top of a magnolia tree branch molded in brass casting, the Magnolia Sideboard symbolizes Nature’s foundational role in all creation. The sideboard has four compartments, one with four sliding drawers. gingerandjagger.com

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TRENDS

DOING DÉCOR Let’s put some color to make it pop, or for this matter let’s do decor. From your bedroom, living rooms or your office spaces, let’s make a statement.

1. DRIADE Italian designer Fabio Novembre delivers an extraordinary piece with the Venus Bookcase. Made of oak veneer and a five- portioned statue, its neo-classical nature ultimately take us back to Ancient Greece. driade.com 2. NODUS Shiro Studio pays tribute to Gottfrief Leibniz’s theory of Monads with Particles, a handmade rug for Italian brand Nodus. Handmade in India, the Particles rug features 120 knots per square inch. nodusrug.it 3. PIE THE INEEK The concept is simple: one lamp from one mold with different functions. Standing next to your bed or in the closet, hanging on the wall as a down- or up-lighter but also on a stick as a desk lamp or as a reading lamp next to the sofa. veron/lere.it webshop,pietheineek.nl 4. CHRISTOPHER JENNER Conceived for a design educated yet budget conscious consumer, Aquiline marries considered design and natural materials with beautiful craftsmanship to deliver uniquely accessible luxury to the lighting category. christopher-jenner.com 5. BANG & OLUFSEN Some sound systems can distract from the aesthetics of one’s home, but not the Beosound Shape wireless speaker system. Designed by the Danish consumer electronics company, these speakers are works of art in itself with its hexagonal shapes and beautiful color palette. bang-olufsen.com

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1. EMECO In collaboration with Jasper Morrison, the American furniture manufacture reveals 1 inch, a collection made from the brand’s signature long-lasting aluminum material that features the designer’s aesthetics. Using Emeco’s material and 77-step process, the piece is just one inch in size, and is strategically developed to maximize strength while using less material. emeco.net 2. REALLY Max Lamb challenges the architecture and design industries on the use of resources. The designer took waste cotton and wool to create 12 benches for Really, a brand known for upcycling textiles. In whites and navy, the benches differ significantly from one another, with shapes that range from cut-out squiggles, to robust and blocky. reallycph.com 3. ADRIAN CHENG AND SHIGERU UCHIDA Due to its fast growth abilities, bamboo has arrived in style with the help of Adrian Cheng and the late Japanese architect Shigeru Uchida. The Khora Collection features woven and gridden screens that are handmade using Japanese bamboo and chestnut. wanderfromwithin.com 4. MADE IN RATIO The Stellar Nova table is a step up to the brand’s Supernova table. Made from sand-casted recycled aluminum and bamboo plywood, the table is molded into beautiful biomorphic shapes. madeinratio.com 5. ECOPIXEL Specializing in recycled plastic materials, Ecopixel tapped Italian designer Allessandro Mendini to create the Alex Lounge Chair. The chair features a geometric structure, and strategically plays with complementing colors. Additionally, it can be re- melted repeatedly without suffering its properties. ecopixel.eu

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EARTH TO TONE In an effort to help Mother Nature, some of these picks are inspired to help revitalize if not recycle items and turn them to be useful—piece.

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TRENDS

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1. AXOLIGHT Axolight revamps the brands and introduced bespoke design that captures the hearts of its customers. This includes its latest Alysoid suspended pendant lamp. Worker hand, they are made of aluminus and polished in either black nickel, natural brass. axolightusa.com 2. NERI & HU The Yanzi, reimagines birds resting on scaffolding for a minimal approach. The set has a black structure, and is finished with brushed brass for a rustic but sophisticated aesthetic. neriandhu.com 3. FLOS Arrangement is London-based designer Michael Anastassiades newest series. Carefully crafted to elegantly intertwine with each other the geometric lighting suspends beautifully in every home. flos.com

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4. RICARDO SAINT-CLAIR The Brazilian designer unveils his latest work--the Freeze Lamp. In contrast to traditional lamps, which can be rotated and readjusted, the Freeze Lamp stands on a single position,

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is polished in extra metal coating, and shines with an LED bulk. designboom.com

5. FORMAFANTASMA The Amsterdam-based studio plays with light and shadow in Wirering, a luminary designed for the lighting. company Flos. Its custom-made cable acts as the main focus of the lamp. While the LED ring provides the over all experimental structure. flos.com

LET THERE BE LIGHT “So, let there be light,” God says. This is your time to step up your light or chandelier game. So keep that light burning. 4

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KIDDING ASIDE Keep the nursery room colorful. From chairs to toys, take a look with this pick inspired by the kids who constantly loves to play and have fun.

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1. KARTELL In its first kid’s collection, the Italian furniture company launched Kartell Kids. The collection gains a “yes!” from three- to eight-year-olds-pieces include the transparent H-Horse rocking horse and Smile stools from Japanese studion Nendo; Philippe Starck’s Airway swing; and Ferruccio Laviani’s Clip Clap games table. kartell.com 2. PIERO LISSONI What generally appeals to parents is not usually what their kids would appreciate, but the Italian architect and designer seems to have found the right balance. He redesigns toy vehicles with Discovolante, a racecar that brings to mind cardboard boxcar memories. lissoniassociati.com

3. MAGIS It’s common knowledge that children can grow too fast, whether we want them to our not. Italian design company Magis solves that problem with the Little BIG Chair by Big- Game. The chair has an adjustable height that can “grow” with the child. magisdesign.com 4. LEBEBÉ Already a leading company for mother and daughter jewelry, LeBebé partners with Alessandra Baldereschi to create a new collection for kids’ bedrooms. The customizable cradle, bed, wardrobe and dresser create an airy, enchanting feeling–one that will make the little ones feel like they’re in a fairytale. lebebe.eu

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LIVING For this month, EC Magazines, with the help of its team compiled the best homes—from apartment living, to resort-inspired spaces, we’ve got it here for you and give you an inspiration for your next home project.

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VIEWING LANDSCAPE A wonderful resort-style home overlook the Mallorca’s stunning landscape. FEATURE by SIMONA GANEA

THIS SPREAD The overall design of this amazing residence was inspired by the openness of SAOTA’s Cape Town projects

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E’RE EXCITED today to show you SAOTA‘s first project in Mallorca, Spain. It’s a wonderful and

also pretty complex residence with lots of interesting design features. The project’s name is Bora Headquarters and the interior is designed by ARRCC in collaboration with RyS Architects. The house is a hybrid between a traditional residence and a resort. The ambiance throughout is relaxed and the decor is fresh and vibrant which is to be expected given that the clients were inspired by SAOTA’s light-filled Cape Town projects. The architects also found inspiration in the designs of the local houses and managed to offer a contemporary interpretation of the local vernacular and to incorporate in their project an entire array of materials and design elements inspired by the immediate surroundings. One of the most important aspects of the projects had a lot to do with the landscape and the views. The clients and the architects agreed on a layout and a design which welcome the outdoors in and which allow this amazing house to dialogue with its surroundings in a really pleasant and natural manner.

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FEATURE

The seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and the balanced distribution of open and closed spaces contribute to a very harmonious organization of the areas and a very fresh and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the residence. The design and the overall structure were partially dictated by the location and the site topography. The house was built on a steep slope and instead of seeing this as inconvenient, the architects viewed it as an opportunity to bring the outdoors in and to help the house connect to its immediate surroundings. The steep slope inspired the architects to create a linear terraced building where every important space gets to enjoy uninterrupted views of the valley and the distant landscape. Furthermore, the indoor living spaces seamlessly extend outside, where wooden pergolas frame a series of al- fresco areas which in turn overlook a stunning infinity edge pool. The interior of the residence is a collection of open plan spaces with individual character and decor particularities, organized on two levels and with access to terraces and courtyards. Both the interior and exterior design of the house are characterized by a beautiful layering of different materials which include plaster, stone, wood, aluminum and glass. As far as the chromatic palette is concerned, the architects and interior designers chose to stay within the comfort of neutrals and to create subtle focal points using carefully selected textures, beautiful hand-crafted pieces and elegant artwork. All contents of this article belongs to www.homedit.com.

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THIS SPREAD CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A beautiful wooden pergolas shades the al-fresco dining area which enjoys a panoramic view over the landscape; A seamless indoor-outdoor flow defines the whole residence and helps to better connect it to the site and the views; The building opens up at the back, overlooking a beautiful infinity edge pool and a gorgeous landscape; wooden shutters and pergolas help to regulate the sunlight and to ensure the right amount of privacy for the indoor areas; The interior design of the residence is defined by an array of neutral colors and a multitude of textures.

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FEATURE

L.A. HOME Rapper G-Eazy’s Step in rapper G-Eazy’s L.A. Home. An entire bedroom needed to be transformed into a closet in order to house the Californian musician’s sneaker collection.

by TROY J. MCMULLEN photography SAM FROST

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HE CORONAVIRUS pandemic may have killed the work-life balance for many of us, but that hasn’t been the case for

G-Eazy. After paying $1.75 million for a property in the Hollywood Hills in 2017, the rapper and record producer went about creating a home that not only offers a respite from the rigors of touring and performing but also serves as a low-key hideaway in which to work and collaborate with fellow artists. “Music is my passion and it’s a big part of my life,” says the 32-year- old musician. “I’m eternally connected to my work so it just made a lot of sense to create a place where life and work intersect.” That ethos is on display throughout the 3,642-square- foot main residence. Under vaulted ceilings, original artworks and custom furnishings compete for space with G-Eazy’s musical instruments and equipment. That same balance is seen once again inside a self-contained two- storey guesthouse on the property. The rapper had it renovated to include a professional-grade recording studio on the ground level and a dark-hued, dimly lit lounge that includes a bar cart made from ebonized oak and

THIS SPREAD FROM LEFT The sun-drenched saltwater pool has unobstructed views of Los Angeles; G-Eazy sitting at the piano in the home’s living room. “That’s where I come up with a melody and record it on my iPhone,” he says of the perch. “It helps keep things low-fi before I take it into the studio.”

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FEATURE

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smoked glass. The walls of the lounge are covered with his many certified gold and platinum records, and a Kobe Bryant jersey can also be seen. “He wanted a place that was comfortable and inviting but also allowed for creating his art,” says Melody Jimenez, the MA Creative interior designer who spearheaded the 1979 Spanish colonial’s interior design scheme. “It was important to him to create a relaxed vibe throughout the entire home, and that extended to the guest house,” the L.A.–based decorator notes. All that however is not to say that the home is without a little bit of design indulgence. Case in point is G’s primary closet—a room that used to be one of the home’s four bedrooms. “I love the whole culture around sneakers, so I really wanted it to feel like you were walking around a museum.” Notably, the rapper had it converted into a walk-in dressing area large enough to house a growing sneaker collection that he says currently numbers “north of 500 pairs.” Today, the room includes a closet island at its center and museum-grade lighting to show off some of his favorite footwear. That collection, which is encased in a floating glass display, includes vintage Nike, Puma, Adidas, and Stüssy shoes— among many others. “I love the whole culture around sneakers,” says G, “so I really wanted it to feel like you were walking around a museum.”

OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP Custom sofa and chairs anchor a living room with a large commissioned artwork by the Canadian-Finnish artist Fucci. A floating bamboo coffee table and Lawson-Fenning fluted side tables in dark gray oak pair nicely with the sofa and chairs. The vintage hand-knotted carpet is a Bakhtiari rug; The ground level has professional-grade recording equipment and custom furnishing, including the leather sofa. The custom neon sign reading “When It’s Dark Out” refers to the title of G’s second studio album. “Music is my passion and my life,” the rapper says. THIS PAGE A bedroom in the home was converted into a primary closet to help house G-Eazy’s growing sneaker collection. The Pelle bubble chandelier features hand-blown glass bulbs, decorative leather coiling, and satin brass accents. The custom closet cabinets, drawers, and adjustable shelves have satin brass hardware. The island and counter surfaces are made of Belvedere leather stone.

Source: Architectural Digest

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FEATURE

POSITIVELY PINK From its living and dining spaces to its L-shaped kitchen, this fashionable home positively glows.

by ANNE QUITO photography CHRISTIAN HARDER

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Taking cues from the homeowner’s taste in fashion, Jett introduces bold pops of color throughout the 1,000-square- foot interior, and prevents it from appearing too saccharine in the process. The eye flits from the Memphis-inspired dining table with a vivid blue pedestal base to the cayenne-colored steel chairs floating nearby. In the bedroom, there’s the acid green coverlet framed by floor- to-ceiling gray curtains. The L-shaped kitchen, which bleeds into the living room, is purposely kept understated. Searching for inspiration involved watching reruns of runway shows and looking at old ad campaigns for Jil Sander and Raf

OMETIMES IT’S THE MOOD that matters most. A few

was more than happy to oblige the homeowners’ request for a dramatic reimagining of the former rental unit. Having worked on hotels, high-end residences, and retail concept stores in his previous jobs, Jett has a finely tuned intuition for defining a space’s narrative arc. For this project, it was about “seduction, romance, and glamour,” he explains. First, Jett achieves an alluring atmospheric effect through color and light. Using Benjamin Moore’s Tissue Pink in the living area, the walls look taupe in the morning and blush pink in the afternoon light. “It was just a beautiful base,” he explains. “It’s neutral but it’s not boring. We can do better than white.”

steps into a first-level Brooklyn apartment in the historic Park Slope neighborhood, and any thoughts of being inside a 19th-century brownstone dissipate. From the soft pink walls to the sculptural sofa reminiscent of a reclining odalisque and the evocative painting by French artist Philippine de Richemont, one is instantly transported to a chic, glamorous reverie—fit for a style- conscious couple moving in together for the first time. The element of theater is intentional, says Darren Jett, a New York–based interior architect, who

THIS SPREAD FROM LEFT A sinuous sofa custom-designed by Jett, paired with a vintage rattan chair, sets the room’s romantic tone. The crimson French deco rug was sourced from Heirloom; A Georges Braque print from the homeowner’s parents flanked by a Lalique bird sculpture makes for a dramatic vignette on the mantel. The turquoise pouf was also designed by Jett.

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FEATURE

Simons during his tenure as Calvin Klein’s chief creative officer, recalls Jett. “We were also exploring Sies Marjan,” he explains, referring to the brilliant but short-lived brand founded by Dutch designer Sander Lak. “That’s where we get the unexpected color combinations.” Jett grounds the modern touches with historical details. The apartment’s crown molding is preserved as a nod to its past, for instance. Several pieces of furniture are sourced from auctions and flea markets in Europe and vintage rugs are from Heirloom, an emporium in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Making use of patina, Jett explains, prevents a space from looking too trendy. Designing an inspired “I don’t want to create just a beautiful space, I want it to be a space that transports you.” -Darren Jett

domestic backdrop tailored to a client’s lifestyle is Jett’s ultimate

ambition. “Creating a mise-en-scène is always intriguing,” says the designer, who often gets ideas from books and old films. “I don’t want to create just a beautiful space, I want it to be a space that transports you. It’s really doable for any budget or scale. You just have to have an imagination and a willingness to go there.”

Source: Architectural Digest

THIS PAGE A painting by Joseph Stella, a Mart van Schijndel vase, and an antique Chinese armoire greet visitors at the foyer. The walls are painted in Farrow Ball’s Oval Room Blue. OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP A framed print by Henri Matisse, a Steuben fruit bowl, and vintage glassware can all be seen on the minimalist kitchen’s satin-etched mirror countertops; Floors and ceilings are painted in Benjamin Moore Metro Gray to match the wall-to-ceiling velvet curtains. A Tommaso Barbi floor lamp and an Irving Penn print frame the theatrical bedscape; A pair of 1940s Italian sconces add instant glamour to the bathroom, which is lined with penny rounds from Nemo Tile and Stone. A sculptural vase by the Brooklyn-based ceramist Simone Bodmer-Turner adorns the countertop.

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COVER STORY

THE PITTMAN’S WORLD Mary Virginia McCormick on her mission to spread the word of love, kindness, and self-fulfillment.

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preserve that very precious parent/ child relationship. But, amid the love and the dedication by those wise and devoted parents, there has become a division in our society as some parents’ methods are leading to the destruction of our children, which means betrayal by those parents. Psychologists and teachers are saying that many of today’s children are being reared harshly without nurtured rational-learning guidance. Money is often given as a substitute for parental time, parental encouragement, parental enlightenment, and spiritual and life values. Teachers and psychiatrists are appalled at what is happening because too many children today are being reared with harshness, being demeaned, being mocked, and being put down, diminishing their self-identity, making the children fearful and unable to create their own strong code of healthy values. They often have no one to go to without an argument and put-down remarks. Instead of feeling safe, loved, and cared for, the emotional-learning pain leads to the fear of the unknown; they are too young to have the ability to protect themselves. Grandparents! Grandparents are the “anchors” of the family. They represent our individual heritage. Grandparents are a child’s legacy. There

ARY VIRGINIA McCormick can

character traits in children’s personal value code. 2. Why do you use animals to depict noble traits? Children do relate to animals in all sorts of ways. Each species of animal has distinct characteristic traits, and they do not betray them. They tenderly take care of their young, they take care of their wounded, they take care of their elderly. They never leave a disabled family member alone. Each species consistently and dependably cares for one another. 3. Why do you have a Spirit of the Wolf discussion worksheet? The worksheet is as important to parents as it is to children. It separates those noble traits and characteristics so that children can think about exactly what they mean in developing their own healthy code of ethics. Parents will also be able to ponder the depths of these traits for themselves and how they can relate individually and together in their own family. 4. What do you think of today’s generation of how to rear children? The parent/child relationship bond is the fabric that interweaves and creates a civilized society. That human parent/ child bond must prevail!, As within the animal kingdom human beings must

glow up each place wherever she goes. She has an aura full of love, charisma, uniqueness, and of course, talent. Above her head are numerous hats she wears no matter what the day is, unbothered. As a seventh generation Texan American, Mary VirginIa McCormick Pittman is a humanitarian, child advocate, wildlife photojournalist and lecturer, world- wide scientific researcher, a wounded warrior medical advocate, and Arctic musher—all of these she’s proud to be. Not to mention, Mary Virginia is an award-winning book author, a recipient of the International Society of Poets award. Mary Virginia is the youngest honoree to receive the 20 Most Significant Texans award, and the youngest recipient to receive the Legend of Texas award, a feat for which she’s beaming with pride. To know more about Mary Virginia McCormick, let’s read on as EC magazine dishes out questions for her as we are excited as she is to be this issue’s cover story: 1. What was your reason for writing your book? I wanted to write a book that would awaken creative activities in a child’s mind and to evoke good

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International Maasai Conservation award, Kenya, Africa; the Navy League of the USA-Scroll Award (second highest award given by the Navy League), etc.] 9. Describe one of your philosophies of life. I have many, but I believe the most important one is the act of giving. Giving is an act of love and it is a virtue. Even a smile is a gift. Philanthropy is simply love practiced with discipline. No matter how small or how large, giving is an affair of the heart, not of the pocketbook. 10. What is one thing you want to accomplish in your life? My main hope is that something I say, or something that I do, will encourage someone to look at life through a different lens and go out and accomplish something good for our earth and our fellow man. It’s called “humanity.” I believe in faith, integrity, and behavior through a moral-courage code of ethics. Live and love with a pure intent of purpose! 11. What makes a good story? A good story is one you have personally experienced. So, tell it! People will relate to it! 12. What advice would you give to a new author? Ask other people to read and critique your book. Criticism, good and bad, makes you a better writer, and eventually a really good author. Have fun with it and enjoy your own capability to be able to create!

tells children how to think instead of allowing children to create their own dreams. Radio shows used to stimulate creativity, innovation, and imagination! 7. Tell us about your relationship with conservation. My father began teaching me about conservation at his knee; the value of animals and their taking care of the ecology of nature. Each species of animal has its own sole purpose in nature. Wild animals kill only for food or protection of their kin. He taught me the beauty of the life of each species. I have tried to act on his life lessons for the betterment of our planet. He taught me the need to maintain a strong healthy species to prevent disease and to maintain the ecology of the flora and fauna.

is no competition between parents and grandparents. Grandparents give their grandchildren confidence and spiritual direction. Grandparents provide distinct wisdom. Grandparents share stories that reflect upon past history, including worldly problems and how humans survived and overcame those horrific times, as well as stories that would give children delight. Those family stories sometimes give children a peek into their own future. Good grandparents are priceless and essential. As parents, we have an obligation to make it right! Humanity demands it. Our children deserve it!! 5. Why should we teach children how to empower themselves at a young age? Children of this generation are more capable and

“A good story is one you have personally experienced. So, tell it! People will relate to it!”

precocious; they have knowledge, but not wisdom. We need to praise their attributes and visions, and encourage their hopes and dreams.

We empower them by taking their ideas and helping them to execute them to fruition. As an example, if a child wants to write a book, help the child to do so.; if a child wants to build a playhouse, teach the child how. Do not dismiss their capability to succeed. 6. Why is your mantra “be your own hero”? I want to stimulate creativity, innovation, and imagination in a child’s mind! And to inspire them to be their own hero by absorbing noble character traits that will bring success and self-fulfillment. Today’s technology

8. How do you feel about receiving all of the awards and accolades you have gotten? Well, I feel like a turtle on a fence post after a flood: How did I get here? It’s always a surprise because you may be the face they put the award on, but you know that, in accomplishing things like that, there have been many others who participated to have to reach that much needed goal. [America’s Heroes of Freedom- Humanitarian, Washington, DC; the

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HAITI: THE AMERICAN RESCUE TEAM

Mary Virginia McCormick Pittman and her Mary Ministry joined another global charity organization to travel to Haiti in the aftermath of a terrible earthquake some years ago. Their mission was to rebuild, restore, and re-organize a Christian Orphan’s Sanctuary Compound school and church on the other side of the island from Port-au-Prince. This work would include helping some of the people in small villages, particularly the elderly, during this crisis. The team was comprised of twelve Americans, six men and six women, from all over the USA. The airlines accepted extra luggage free for such humanitarian causes; therefore, two bags from each team member brought forth clothes, medical supplies, medication, children’s shoes, children’s clothes, underwear, school supplies, toilet articles, and, of course, a few toys. The arrangement at the Christian Orphan’s Sanctuary campus was surrounded by a large fence for safety in their living area. A number of separate houses of different colors formerly were well-built, but now needed to be restored. These buildings were welcome homes to the orphans. A married couple acted as House Mother and House Father parents to different age groups of children arranged in small sibling groups, younger and older as in a normal growing average family, with love, with faith, and with spiritual values. Everybody had their small chores to do, such as cooking, cleaning, washing, etc.; family working together. The grand intent was to become capable of handling their own life someday, correctly and smoothly. It

The children then sang songs to thank the men for their wonderful endeavors. The women set about with diligence, bringing children’s physical and medical records up to date, and tenderly seeking any mental health issues that might be hidden. The children were excited for us to be there. They were very careful to present good behavior. They loved Mary Virginia’s red hair, and repeatedly asked timidly if they could touch it “one more time.” As she said “yes,” they would all giggle! Church was daily and held in short segments throughout the day. The children loved singing the Christian songs. They also sang some Haitian songs for the team. On a Special Event Day, the small children and teenagers presented their ever-growing individual talents: art, sculpture, singing, and some dancing. The gates of the Sanctuary were opened on that day, and tourists and townspeople would be invited to enjoy refreshments made by the children and to purchase some of the artwork and sculpture. Monies for these items were put into each child’s private bank account and would remain there until the child reached adulthood, when it would be needed. The children also learned about banking and saving money. During their days at the orphanage, all of their needs would be covered. However, there might be a time when a child would have a special wish. After all, it was their money! On different days, the team ventured out to assist the elderly of a village. One day, Mary Virginia, having had a medical background, assisted a midwife in delivering a baby in the

was a successful living set-up, and joy and happiness did abound. These children did not feel like forgotten orphans, but amazingly felt like they had a beloved family. It was heart warming to watch and to be a part of their togetherness. Their school was on the compound grounds, as was their church. The rest of the grounds were trees, grass, and lots of flora. “The American Rescue Team came when help was sorely needed.We brought joy, happiness, change, and friendship of humanity.” The Sanctuary was glad to see us, and we were glad to see them. Our friendships and relationships grew fast. We set to work. Our team repaired the houses and the school, and the men even built a playground for the children, including two see- saws, swings, a slide, and monkey bars. Those were a success, but the monkey bars were a real hit. The children had to have a small festival over that one!

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The American Rescue Team came when help was sorely needed. We brought joy, happiness, change, and friendship of humanity. It was tearfully gratifying! Indeed! In return, the rescue team received the smiles and laughter, the return of joy shining in people’s eyes, the attitudes of their feeling of going forward again in life, and a genuine heartfelt relationship for all of us, both Haitians and Americans, together. During the day, the American rescue team taught and shared and lived the spirit of God’s Gospel and God’s faith and spiritual values. But at night, the voodoo drums did roll heavily and loudly!

village. The next day, the new mother asked Mary Virginia to present the new baby girl to the whole village, with the proud mom standing at Mary Virginia’s side. Mary Virginia felt elated and honored. All the village people clapped and clapped. In the midst of sadness and frantic fear from a natural disaster, people of different cultures, color, religions, and languages came together in fellowship and sameness. The Haitian people are a beautiful people, women and men. They are a friendly, kind people, anxious to please and quick to accept you. However, the citizens of Haiti live in a severely impoverished land with few opportunities, except a basic school education. The streets are ever broken. Huge potholes loom, and there is no running water… instead, there are pumps on the street, and adults and children carry buckets back and forth to their homes and vendor stores. In a rain, the streets are flooded with mud… to consistently walk and drive through. This life is not by choice, but by an ultra-corrupt government in control with its rampant drug lords dispersed over borders and throughout other countries. The drug trade is huge. Those illicit elitists live in humongous white bricked homes behind giant white walls with guards at the gates. The people yearn for opportunity and freedom.

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THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS OF RWANDA

quickly regained my composure to give her a Gorilla chortle, which means “friendship.” She now nonchalantly looked at me without seeming to be disturbed. She surely had heard me coming. I respectfully gave her space and kept walking around her toward another direction. But for me, seeing this wonderful creature in her own element, less than four feet away without any barrier, was truly thrilling and exciting. I will ever remember that instant moment…. It seemed so natural…. I moved on toward the larger family group of Gorillas who were chewing on bamboo leaves while the young ones were swinging from tree to tree and playing hiding games from each other…. So typically of human children. In the DNA scientific category, there is only a 2% difference between Human and Gorilla. And then…AAAH…and there he was! For real! Agasha!! A huge and handsome Gorilla Male. Agasha, known as the strongest and fiercest Silverback Gorilla Male among the Virunga Mountain Highland Gorilla Family Troup. He had fought many Gorilla males threatening to overtake his Family Troup. He held quite a reputation! He was not to be reckoned with! He saw me, and I, him! Since looking into the eyes of a wild animal, especially a Gorilla Male, could be a misconception of a challenge, therefore, I diverted my eyes elsewhere. But he kept his watch on me. When

consisted of six selected scientists, a Ranger Chief, and two Patrol Guards as our protectors. The hike was quite a few miles over uneven, and sometimes extremely rocky, soil to reach an opening to the Mountain’s Rain Forest. The rest of the travel would now be uphill all the way, trudging through wet, sludgy mud and foliage, reaching for limbs and vines to help you climb with more stability. Finally, we began to see a sporadic patch of blue sky here and there. “It is a dangerous mission, but a loving and prideful one. ” As I was seriously pushing aside an array of large foliage, I suddenly found myself looking into the eyes of a Mama Gorilla and her three month old baby. I was less than four feet away! I was startled, but

Mary Virginia McCormick Pittman’s scientific conservation research program, Operation: Save Earth, was invited to join six selected scientific researchers permitted to be accompanied by a Chief Ranger and two Patrol Guards to study and interact with the Agasha Gorilla Family Troup. Patrol Guards are utilized to protect the Gorilla communities from poachers. The Patrol Guards are stationed in areas where the family troups are, but not where they would disturb the Gorilla family troups daily life. The Patrol Guards keep in touch through radios in case poachers are spotted or might be in close range to a Gorilla family. Poaching—both killing Gorillas for large hand ashtrays and kidnapping baby Gorillas for the large illegal international animal trade, are quite lucrative world-wide. It is a hideous, dangerous, and quite alarming profitable international trade. Dian Fossey put her life on the line years ago to bring evidence to the world about this insidious truth! Now, the world works at saving one of our important wild life species—the Highland Silverback Gorillas of the Virunga Volcanos Mountain Range. In her own words: Our van arrived early morning at a local farm whose owners allowed our scientific team to travel over their small farmland and beyond to the bottom of the Virunga Volcanos Mountain Chain. Our team

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the young Gorillas. But Gorillas are extremely intelligent and smart. They watch their human protectors and learn. One Silverback male leader headed off a Patrol Guard in order for one of his sons to arrive on the scene so the young son could see how the Patrol Guard dismantled the snare! The protective patrols follow their assigned Gorilla family troup—day and night, around the clock. It is a dangerous mission, but a loving and prideful one. There is a special understanding and hospitable relationship between the Gorillas and the Humans. Only one hour at a time is allowed for our scientists to observe, study, and photograph family interaction. Never touching the Gorillas, of course. As our group prepared to depart, I asked Oscar, our Ranger Chief, to take a photograph of me in front

he chose to move closer, I simply give him the Gorilla “Chortle” sound, which means, between Gorillas, “I’m okay, you’re okay, so let’s be okay together” …. He responded! He continued to watch me. Perhaps he was intrigued with my red hair. At a respectful distance, he watched me while I attended to my duties. His expression was curious and studying, but calm. He followed me at that respectful distance as I moved around his family group. He and his family were habituated nicely to small Human Scientific Groups. The Gorillas understand that the Human Patrols they see from time to time are there to protect their lives from treacherous poachers. Although Gorillas can certainly hold their own with any humans or animals, guns used by bad humans are a different kind of harm. Also, poacher snares are dangerous, especially for

of a small grouping of Mama Gorillas and their young ones. Oscar obliged. As I stood in front with the group in the background, Agasha stepped forward with only a small foliage hedge between us, side-by-side. Oscar said, “Agasha is just behind you.” I said, “Okay, but if he starts to step forward beyond the hedge, tell me! I am going to step forward, too!” The photo was taken… side-by-side! The Great Agasha! By the way, that photo ended up in Africa Geographic Magazine: Agasha and Mama Magina! We all chortled our good-byes and started our long, long journey down the Rain Forest Mountain, sludging through the mud and crossing the rocky terrain to our parked van awaiting…. On to our lodge, dinner, and, of course, African tea! A Treat!! A Really Great Gorilla Day… (and, that was just my 1st Gorilla day!) EC

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